The Pearl Index is used to measure contraceptive efficacy. A method with Pearl Index of 2 means:
- A 2% of women using the method correctly will become pregnant in 1 year
- B The method fails in 2 per 1000 users in perfect use
- C 2 pregnancies occur per 100 woman-years of use ✓
- D 2% cumulative pregnancy rate at 5 years
Correct answer: C. 2 pregnancies occur per 100 woman-years of use
Explanation
The Pearl Index is the number of pregnancies per 100 woman-years of contraceptive use (HWY = number of months of use/1200 × 100). A Pearl Index of 2 means 2 pregnancies occur per 100 woman-years of use. Lower Pearl Index = higher efficacy. For example, combined OCP has a Pearl Index of <1 with perfect use; condom ~15 with typical use. This is distinct from cumulative pregnancy rate.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.